IATA Steps Up Efforts to Improve Aviation Security Experience

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new lobbying campaign asking governments and other aviation stakeholders to work with airlines to improve security and the flying experience. IATA is calling for an overhaul of airport security screening and early adoption of the principles behind what it calls its Checkpoint of the Future vision. The Checkpoint of the Future introduces a risk-based approach to security supported by advanced technology to allow passengers to move through the checkpoint without stopping, unpacking or disrobing.

“Today’s security checkpoint was developed in the 1970s when hijackers carrying metal weapons were the threat. It is a 40-year-old-concept that needs to fundamentally change,” said Toby Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO. “We have added layers of process in response to threats and events but we have not made it any more intelligent because we do not use the information that is collected on passengers to power a risk-based approach. A one-size-fits-all model is applied to every passenger. Their experience is often unpleasant, intrusive, inefficient and time consuming. For the billions of dollars that we spend, we could do a lot better.”

The Checkpoint of the Future’s risk-based approach would divide passenger screening into three categories: normal, enhanced and “known traveler.” This is based on data already being collected on passengers for customs and immigrations processes, such as information stored in the Passenger Name Record or Advanced Passenger Information, which is provided to governments via travel documents. There would be no profiling based on religious or ethnic grounds. Access to the expedited “known traveler” lane would be reserved for those travelers who voluntarily provide background data to governments through “known traveler” programs, such as those being tested in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere. In all categories travelers would be screened to a baseline level.

The Checkpoint of the Future long-term vision anticipates advanced screening technology that would enable passengers to be screened with their bags without stopping, removing clothing or unpacking. Such equipment is expected to be fully available within seven years. “There is no need to wait for all the technology to be available to eliminate some of the hassle while improving security,” Tyler said. “As known traveler programs are developed, they can be progressively incorporated into the process. And re-purposing of some screening equipment can help with improving efficiencies. With traveler numbers expected to reach 3.5 billion by 2015 -- up 700 million from today -- we need to get started now.”

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